

Transformers: Blenheim Palace bedizened with Nazi Swastikas? File this in the overflowing catalogue of much ado about nothing.
Blenheim AffrontOn September 25th, several Churchill writers received an email: “Urgent Media Request—the Sin.” (A typo for the Sun newspaper, though ironically appropriate.)
“I’m a journalist with the Sun,” we were told by a member of their staff. “I’m working on a story in our paper tomorrow about a disgusting act which tarnishes Sir Winston Churchill’s memory.” He didn’t say what, but it was easy to guess.
The disgusting act, already blasted around via the Internet, was to drape Blenheim (“Churchill’s home” according to reports) with huge Nazi banners.…
“You shouldn’t call him ‘Your Grace,’ you know.”
It was 2005. Lady Soames was coaching me on a letter to her cousin the Duke of Marlborough. It was to ask (again) for the lease (at a friend-of-the-family discount) of the Great Hall at Blenheim Palace. Another black tie dinner crowning another Churchill Tour.
“What should I call him, then? I can’t call him ‘Sunny,’ as you do!” (The family nickname stemmed from one of the Duke’s early titles, Earl of Sunderland.)
“Of course not. But ‘Your Grace’ is too formal, or for servants.…